Help bring Palliative Care to Indonesia's children

This Christmas, as we gather in festive celebration and in the warm embrace of our family and loved ones, we are reminded that there are families whose world is much smaller and fragile—but no less filled with love. Arman’s* story reminds us that the true spirit of Christmas lives not in material abundance, but in compassionate care and hope, shared with those who need it most.

In one modest room in the urban jungle of Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, a grandmother’s love devotion is keeping her grandson’s world alive. And, with Rachel House nurses’ dedicated care and support, the grandmother's love continues to shine bright through even the hardest circumstances.

Arman’s world unfolds quietly every morning. He lies in his bed, fragile and still, his body is sustained by liquid food that is passed through a nasogastric tube, and his spirit by his grandmother's love. Outside his little shelter, life moves on without notice; but inside, his grandmother builds a world just for him—a world of loving care and gentle patience that stretches far beyond the walls of their tiny space.

Since his mother passed away, grandma has been everything to Arman: his protector, his friend, and his place of comfort. Every morning, she carefully adjusts his blanket, checks his feeding tube, and whispers magical stories into his ear. She hums softly as she brushes back the thin strands of hair on his forehead, speaking to him about the little joys in life—the songs of birds outside, the scent of freshly food cooked by the street vendor, the laughter of neighbors that she builds into their  stories. The room is small, yet she has filled it with life.

At one corner of the wall, a photo of Arman as a smiling baby cradled in the arms of his mother, reminds us of happier times. A little table in the room holds the supplies they need. In this protected surroundings, grandma makes sure that Arman experiences the world in his own way. She plays gentle music, tells stories, and laughs with him in moments only they can share. Every day, she searches for ways to give him happiness, to let him feel he is living fully, despite his illness.

Even though they only have each other, they are not alone. Rachel House’s nurses and community health workers visit them regularly, checking in on Arman's physical condition, helping guide grandma on the care needed by Arman; and sometimes, just simply being there to offer her encouragement and being a listening ear. These visits bring knowledge, as well as companionship - reminding grandma that there are people who care about Arman and that she is not alone.

Although life is a constant challenge, grandma never allows it to rob them of joy. She laughs with Arman when he responds to her stories, hums when he rests, and quietly celebrates every tiny moment of comfort or joy. Her love is relentless, her dedication total. “I will do anything for him,” she says softly, as though speaking to the room itself. And in that room, it is true—she does.

But their life together is fragile. Every day, they rely on support from people who understand the weight of their struggle. Donations Rachel House receives helps ensure Arman receives the special nutrition and medical supplies he needs, and the visits from our palliative care trained nurses to help grandma care for him safely Every contribution allows grandma to keep the world around Arman safe, filled with love, comfort, and dignity.

In this single room, with limited means and a life defined by illness, Arman’s life is enveloped in love. Full of stories, laughter, and devoted love that refuses to give up. With your support, we are able to help Arman continue  to experience life to its fullest, surrounded by the unwavering devotion of his grandmother and the care of Rachel House nurses and community health workers.

Join us in bringing hope, comfort and joy to Arman and other children like him. Your support changes lives—one gentle touch, one smile, one day at a time.

*name changed for privacy